Position Statements

MOR advocates for homeownership opportunities. Homeownership directly impacts neighborhoods, communities, and economic stability. We recognize the need for the production and rehabilitation of quality, safe, and affordable housing in our communities. All persons have a right to own real property and to exercise all the benefits of homeownership without undue encroachment or intrusion by government, groups, or individuals.

Availability of housing for all income levels is necessary for balanced and healthy growth of Missoula and the success of our economy. Missoula County has a declining housing affordability index. Lack of housing supply drives up housing prices, placing homes out of reach of many Missoula families. We support simplifying subdivision and development process that encourages new housing construction and does not unnecessarily burden development and homeownership with additional expense.

We support legislation that will lower real estate property tax rates to help maintain housing affordability. MOR supports an equitable, balanced tax and appraisal structure and responsible government spending. We encourage local governments to explore, utilize and exhaust all other options available for generating revenues. Costs associated with programs for the public good should be shared equitably by all members of the community, real estate should not be singled out to pay for programs and services that benefit the entire community.

MOR strongly supports the right of every Montanan, as enshrined in Montana’s Constitution, to a clean and healthful environment for present and future generations. We are in strong support of green initiatives and ordinances that make homes more environmentally friendly, without unnecessarily raising the cost of homeownership. Efforts to increase energy efficiency should be incorporated whenever possible to do so without creating undue burden upon property owners.

MOR supports simplified, flexible, and streamlined subdivision and zoning regulations; reflecting contemporary best practices which support development of our communities. We support policies that provide equitable incentives to address housing needs; however, we oppose mandatory programs including inclusionary zoning.

MOR supports reasonable impact fees to defray the cost of providing public capital improvements which are directly attributable to a new development. MOR believes that impact fees ultimately increase the cost of housing, because these costs are passed to the consumer through increased lot and/or housing prices. Fees should not be used to correct existing deficiencies, to fund a disproportionate share of the cost of off-site improvements, or to deter development.

MOR supports a multi-use approach to the management of our public lands. We support a balance between recreational uses, wildlife habitat and use of natural resources to provide products used in development.

MOR supports, easily understandable subdivision laws and regulations that streamline the review process while providing objective review criteria and performance standards. Montana’s quality of life includes our river valleys, foothills, mountains, and a housing stock that meets market demand across a range of prices. We support subdivision laws and regulations that implement community growth policy, allowing for well-planned development and protection of our natural environment.

MOR has an unwavering commitment to diversity that will ensure the highest level of respect inclusion and nondiscrimination. MOR requests Federal Fair Housing Laws and Montana Human Rights Act be updated and amended to include “sexual orientation” and “gender identity,” consistent with the NAR Code of Ethics.

MOR supports the rights of private property owners. These essential rights should be fully recognized in all government laws and regulations.

MOR supports legislation that limits liability for all innocent parties associated with the sale or transfer of environmentally defective properties.

MOR believes that it is critical for any legislation addressing the forfeiture of real property because of illegal drug activity to contain language which protects the rights of innocent owners.

MOR believes that the U.S. Internal Revenue Service qualifications are the maximum that should be imposed to qualify for Independent Contractor status. Real estate licensees are specifically exempt from the Montana Worker’s Compensation Act and are exempt as independent contractors from the Unemployment Compensation requirements.

MOR strongly opposes expanding the authority of banks and bank holding companies to enable them to engage in real estate brokerage activities. MOR opposes any changes in Montana law that would grant state chartered financial institutions power which are not granted to federally chartered institutions or permit them to engage in real estate activities.

Infrastructure improvements have been shown to enhance property values by creating livable communities and business districts. Investing in well-planned, properly financed public infrastructure helps accommodate and direct growth to benefit the whole community.

Transportation plans should reflect a broad community vision that takes all transportation users into account as opposed to simply developing added road capacity. MOR supports a local motor fuel tax to help our community achieve sustainable transportation and infrastructure goals.

MOR supports the rights of private property owners. We oppose local regulations that place restrictions on or prohibit short-term rental agreements. MOR believes that any regulations on short-term rentals should be governed by homeowner or condominium associations.